PPHA holds dialogue on prevention and control of NCDs

The Punjab Public Health Agency (PPHA) launched its Policy Roundtable Series with first dialogue on "Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)" in Punjab. The roundtable was attended by eminent public health professionals and sector experts from both public and private sector. Professor John Chambers, a cardiovascular epidemiologist from Imperial College London, was present at the roundtable to share his expertise on international best practices in NCD management, and challenges faced globally.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a growing cause of concern globally. According to WHO, NCDs are estimated to kill approximately 40 million people each year globally, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all deaths. Pakistan, facing a double burden of disease, is ranked 7th in the world for diabetes prevalence. WHO reports high smoking levels in Pakistan, with 31.8 percent men and 5.8 percent women currently using tobacco in any form.
It coupled with unhealthy diet options results in one in four adults over the age of 18 being hypertensive and 40 percent of the population over the age of 40 suffering from cardiovascular disease. Realizing these challenges, the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (PSHD) launched the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Disease Program in 2016, with the goal to reduce the burden of morbidity, mortality and premature mortality related to NCDs.
PPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Shabnum Sarfraz, highlighted the importance of a collective discussion space where academicians and public health professionals can interact with seasoned subject matter experts on health and related matters. Punjab is the first province to have established a Provincial NCD Unit and allocated dedicated funds for prevention and control of NCDs in the province.
PPHA is working with the NCD Program team towards development of Provincial Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Health Promotion in Punjab addresses the four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, and the four modifiable risk factors: tobacco use, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, she added.